The MDE Files🧿🥂🖤🦩📸

When it comes to planning a destination wedding, there’s one non-negotiable step I’ll never skip: the scouting trip. I talk about this ALL the time. 👈🏼 So I was totally thrilled to share exactly why this is so important to budget for in this piece for Destination I Do—a publication I love for their thoughtful approach to global wedding planning. ✨ From logistics and language barriers to vendor vetting and visualizing your vision in person, a scouting trip is the foundation for a seamless celebration. I’ve planned weddings and celebrations across the U.S, Mexico, Italy, Puerto Rico, and beyond—and trust me when I say, there is no substitute for setting foot on site. 👈🏼 Head to the blog to read more about what a scouting trip includes, when to go, and how it saves time, stress, and money in the long run. If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding, this is one step you don’t want to miss. And if you head to the link in bio to read the full piece you will see all of @collinpierson ’s gorgeous photos from a scouting trip he accompanied me on for our clients Kit & Vinny ✨🇮🇹🥰 Thank you @destinationido !!

Where do we go for our clients? Everywhere. From the cobblestone charm of Lucca, to the grandeur of Florence, the romance of Lake Como, the buzz of Milano, the rustic elegance of Puglia, the magic of Matera, and the eternal allure of Rome—and yes, even those hidden gems outside the lines—we’ve covered it all in just a few weeks. ✨ Over 20+ site inspections across multiple regions in multiple cities, speaking the language that I love and living the experience. This wasn’t just travel—it was a deep dive into the soul of Italy, I am even more obsessed and cannot wait to bring it all to you amici miei! So because I love you all so much (infatti vi adoro!) I’m bringing it all home to Michelle Durpetti Events clients 👈🏼👌🏼😍🇮🇹🙏🏻 Because planning unforgettable weddings in Italy isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are. Italy is my life’s work and I could not be more proud of my heritage and all that we bring to the experiences our clients have when we plan with them. Folks, you just don’t find what we do everywhere, plain + simple 😎🥰🤌🏼 Special (and perpetual) shout out to @engagesummits for the immense opportunity to speak in Italy, and to each and every person that made these site visits happen — you are tagged, ci voglio bene, grazie dal cuore. 🙏🏻❤️ Allora, siete pronti? Andiamo! 🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹😘

So proud to see our beautiful couple NFL insider @jayglazer and his wonderful wife @rosietenison featured in PEOPLE magazine! 🌟✨ This celebration was nothing short of a fairytale. Every detail from the stunning floral designs by @malafrontefiori to the perfect captures by @collinpierson + @mirarweddings breathed life into this magical day. Major thanks to @beinspiredpr for helping share this love story with the world. This wasn’t just a wedding; it was really a profoundly beautiful declaration of love in one of the most stunning places on earth for two really awesome people. Planning: @mdurpettievents Photo: @collinpierson Film: @mirarweddings Location: @borgosantandreaamalfi Floral: @malafrontefiori Bridal Hair + Makeup: @beautylivery Violists: @viola_musicagency Brides shoes: @sheischeval Groom’s suit: @michaelstrahanbrand Luxury Travel Concierge: @partenzatravel Many, many heartfelt thanks to Jay & Rosie for their trust in us from the word go. I can stress enough the magic that can happen when a team of creatives truly aligns in harmony with a couple. Every vendor on this project was so thrilled to be part of this day for these two very special people! I’m forever thankful to @allthatglittersonthegram for the connection and so happy to call Rosie & Jay family for life. 🌈✨🇮🇹🫶🏼 More behind-the-scenes magic to come! 📸💍 #ProudMoment #AmalfiDreaming #ElopementGoals

Salute, welcome party vibes for K + V🥂 Photos by @kentdrakephoto for @laviavisual The Team: @collinpierson @mirarweddings @iamphilipe @kentdrakephoto Planning: @mdurpettievents @michelledurpettievents Decor: @lillaflorals Entertainment: @bravo_wedding_music @italianweddinggames Catering: @brindapino @pourevents Location: @villagamberaia Cigars: @lorenzolazzareschi1969 Guest transport: @privilegeitalia Weather concierge: @ironicreports Transportation: @roadtrippinitaly

A little Southern charm, a little Italian summer energy, and a Chicago backdrop that somehow made it all feel effortlessly cool. 💙💚✨ This celebration was layered with rich color, thoughtful texture, candlelight, incredible food, and the kind of warm hospitality that makes guests settle in and stay awhile. Elegant without feeling stiff. Refined without losing the fun. Exactly the kind of atmosphere we love creating at MDE. Think Southern charm meets dinner party meets summer night magic. 🥂 Photo: @collinpierson Decor: @erinmcdonaldco Location: @chicagoilluminatingcompany Linens: @ziadelma Printed Items: @hannahhandmade Catering: @bokacateringchicago Planning: @mdurpettievents Entertainment: @beatmixchicago

There’s something very exciting happening over here. 🤍 After years of sharing our work, weddings, travels, design inspiration, hospitality moments, beautiful tables, behind the scenes chaos, Italian adventures, fashion finds, and all the magic in between through @mdurpettievents personal account… Michelle Durpetti Events officially has its own home here on Instagram. ✨ Think of this space as a destination wedding planner’s world: Europe, the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and beyond…. Creating celebrations layered with intention, unforgettable experiences, beautiful places, thoughtful hospitality, incredible clients, and the people who help bring it all to life. This account is managed by the MDE team and will give you a closer look into everything we do, from destination weddings and event design to travel, food, fashion, production, logistics, horses, inspiration, and yes… probably a little organized chaos too. 😉 And speaking of team… Did you know we have THREE new team members joining the MDE world?! We cannot wait to introduce you to the new faces helping us usher in this next chapter. Beginning this week, you’ll start meeting the incredible people behind the emails, timelines, production days, design conversations, airport sprints, venue visits, and kick ass celebrations. We have team members in Italy, D.C, New Jersey, and of course our sweet home Chicago! And with a home base in both Chicago, IL and Wellington, FL. All so very exciting. 🤩 It feels like a whole new era for MDE. New team. Same heart. New faces. Same standards. Same obsession with creating celebrations that feel deeply personal, beautifully executed, and wildly unforgettable. We are very grateful you’re here. Let’s share something beautiful together. 🖤 😘 Thank you @kentdrakephoto @collinpierson @weddingdaycontentcreator @leekramer.ch for the photos and content!

Kaylie & Tanner 5.5.2026 ☔️🤍🇮🇹 Planning: @mdurpettievents @behindthemde @joybertagna @cmrebollo Featured Photo: @collinpierson Photo team: @collinpierson @kentdrakephoto x LVV Video: @mirarweddings @jorge__camargo @iamphilipe x LVV Content: @weddingdaycontentcreator Floral: @lillaflorals Location: @villamediceadililliano Dressing team: @creazioniimolaatelier Gown: @galialahav Glam: @anasta.sia_wedding Entertainment: @bravo_wedding_music Lighting: @kaleydo.official Rentals: @preludiodivisionenoleggio Catering: @galateoricevimenti

This past week in Sardegna at the Exotic Wedding Planning Conference, I was reminded just how global, connected, and ever evolving this industry truly is. What starts as a conference quickly becomes something more meaningful. Conversations that turn into collaborations, introductions that feel like long overdue friendships, and a shared understanding that what we do is equal parts logistics and heart. And that is the part I always come back to. 🥰 Because for all the timelines, details, and moving pieces, this business is built on people. The relationships we build, the trust we earn, and the way those connections ultimately shape the experience we create for our clients. And truly my favorite part of being in this industry is most definitely the people I get to work alongside with in the trenches! These moments matter, and just because they are inspiring, but because they keep us connected, thoughtful, and continuing to grow in how we show up for our work. I was thrilled to connect with over 15 new venues last week and reconnect with some favorites. From talents in Hair & Makeup to content creation to photograohers to floral design and of COURSE planning I met so many wonderful new people I now call friends. Grateful for the time, the conversations, and the community. And the laughter, the connection and the hugs. 🥰🥰 Thank you to EWPC for the invitation! 📸 @varnastudios

Some venues are beautiful. Others are an experience. The Field Museum in Chicago is the latter. Towering architecture, history in every corner, and a room that already feels cinematic before the first item is loaded in. But venues like this are not plug and play. They require serious logistical know how, thoughtful design, and a vendor team that understands how to transform a historic institution into a celebration that feels effortless. That is where the magic really happens. With the right team, the museum stops feeling like a museum. The lights warm up, the music starts, Havana energy fills the room, and suddenly guests are dancing under the dinosaurs like it was always meant to be a party. A little history. A lot of rhythm. One unforgettable night at the museum. Get @reshare_app • @mdurpettievents Sweet Home Chicago 💫 While we love planning weddings across the globe, there’s nothing like celebrating love right here at home. We’re SO excited for our 2026 wedding at the Field Museum — and it has us reminiscing about the last time we were there… Night at the Museum meets Havana Nights ✨ A color story + celebration we’ll never get over. A little Monday magic, straight from Chicago. 🌆 Photos: @collinpierson Decor: @hmrdesigns @thefestivefrog @bbjlatavola @nuagedesignsinc Lighting: @frostchicago #ChicagoWeddingPlanner #LuxuryWeddingPlanner #FieldMuseumChicago #ChicagoLuxuryWedding #MuseumWedding Catering: @blueplatechicago Location: @fieldmuseumspecialevents

At MDE, we love any moment that celebrates family, tradition, and fresh starts — and Lunar New Year is exactly that 🧧✨ From thoughtful color palettes to meaningful details that symbolize luck, prosperity, and joy, this season is such a beautiful reminder that intention is everything in design and in celebration. Here’s to new beginnings, good fortune, and creating moments that feel as meaningful as they are beautiful. ❤️🐉 Multi-Media Photo, Film, Production: @laviavisual Flowers: @bukietyfloral Lighting: @blackoak.tech @thechefartsmith hosted and his awesome team includes: @kikizoeee @ashleylandd

Last fall at New York Bridal Fashion Week, we lived backstage. Steam. Silk. Camera flashes. Designers making last minute edits like it’s choreography. Now we’re gearing up for spring, pulling references and refining the visual language that will shape this season’s weddings. Because what walks the runway in New York quietly influences what walks down the aisle everywhere else. Come behind the scenes with us. #LaViaVisual #NYBridalFashionWeek #NYBFW #BridalFashion #WeddingTrends LuxuryWeddings EditorialWedding WeddingPhotographer WeddingFilmmaker BehindTheScenes SpringBrides

The best part of a wedding is debatable for us - what about you? For Michelle, the ceremony will always matter most. That moment of commitment is the reason we are all there. It is the heartbeat of the day. Every plan, every detail, every hour of prep is in service of creating the moment that starts the marriage. And then… there’s the party. And for the MDE team that is certainly a favorite part! Two things can be true. Deeply true. We like to say they aren’t mutually exclusive 😎 What comes after the vows is where our joy for celebration takes over. Pop up performances. Cultural nods that feel personal and intentional. A surprise no one saw coming. After parties that turn into stories people tell for years. Fireworks. Flame throwers. Yes, all of it. We’ve done it and love doing it. It’s one of the components we just really enjoy bringing into each celebration. We love bringing all the moments to life because honestly, if you are going to do this work for 20 plus years, you have to love a good party. And we really do love a kick ass party. From Puerto Rico to Florence to Chicago to Palm Beach. And just about everywhere because we go where the celebration takes us ✈️✨🤩 Commitment first. Celebration always. And logistics + style as the foundation for all of it? YEP. Say less. ✨ 📸 @joseruizphoto @collinpierson @cristinagphoto @studiothisisphotography @heatherkincaidphoto @kentdrakephoto @sodafountainphoto